Egypt's cabinet meets to talk security, economics

By REUTERS

March 9, 2011 21:36

CAIRO - Egypt's new cabinet, led by Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, met on Wednesday for the first time, declaring itself a product of the "January 25th revolution" and saying it would firmly stand against "counter-revolution" plots.

The cabinet discussed efforts to return security to Egypt's streets and revive the economy as priorities. It said it was watching with concern acts of lawlessness and tensions between Muslims and Christians.

The cabinet said it would strictly enforce all laws that criminalize attacks on places of worship and violate the sanctity of religions.

Sharaf, who came to office after a purge of officials linked to ousted President Hosni Mubarak, said on Monday he would work to get Egypt's economy back on its feet after weeks of protests and political turmoil.

His government vowed to hold continuous national dialogue with opposition parties and all groups to ensure they "were connected to the pulse of the people," the statement said.

The cabinet called on citizens to go back to work and "to delay factional protests and strikes so the government can return stability that would allow the national economy to overcome these difficult times."

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